Two years after their Wilding LP, Chicago trio Shredded Sun return with a fuzz-fuelled new record that makes getting older sound considerably more fun than it probably should. Never Odd or Even tackles aging, self-worth, and adult dread, capturing the uneasy feeling of being stuck between the life you imagined and the one you’re actually living: “Never alone // Out swimming in the cosmos // Making plans that we keep breaking // In a dream, a dream of my own making” (from Life After).

The eleven songs don’t sacrifice a single hook, moving from broken power pop to crunchier indie noise and darker post-punk as if it were the easiest thing to do. Sarah and Nick Ammerman trade bold, characterful vocals and raw, melodic arrangements, while Ben Bilow keeps everything punchy. They even came up with a sing-along hit with a killer riff: “I never want to leave the city again // I never want to leave the city again” (from Skyscraper). The lyrics may question reality and meaning, the music leaves little room for doubt.

Never Odd or Even is out digitally; three of the album’s songs (plus a bonus track) are available on 7″ vinyl, through Repeating Cloud. Featuring Nick Ammerman (guitars, vocals), Sarah Ammerman (bass, vocals), and Ben Bilow (drums).

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